Editorial: Graduates, remember the simple things

In the 1970s, Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released a song titled “Simple Man.”

In the 1970s, Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released a song titled “Simple Man.”

The words describe the importance of remembering who you are and about the things in life that really matter, things like God, family, self-worth and remembering your roots.

We won’t go into the particulars of the lyrics here today, but remembering who we are and the things that really matter are important to all of us, but they are particularly important to our graduating seniors.

One chapter of their lives are coming to a close: their primary and secondary educational career. But other chapters are just beginning.

Graduates, remember where you came from. Remember the values your parents, grandparents, other family members and community members have instilled in you.

Remember that nothing can be gained without hard work, sacrifice, determination and effort, no matter which endeavor you go into, whether it’s college, marriage, the military or the workforce.

Respect your parents, your teachers, your clergy and ask their advice when choosing life’s path. Experience is a great teacher, and they want life’s road to be a little less bumpy for you than what they had.

Life will not be a walk down a smooth, flower-strewn path. At times, the road will be rocky. Clouds will darken the skies of your life, as they do all of us. But remember at the darkest times, that special “Someone up above,” as that band sang long ago, is watching over you and loves you.

Have pride in yourselves. You have reached a pinnacle. Be proud of your accomplishments.

But as you stand on this peak, you undoubtedly see others in the distance. Be faithful, continue to work hard, continue to strive for your dreams. You’ll find that they’re in your grasp.